WASHINGTON, DC — The Armenian National Committee of America Eastern Region brought together hundreds of community leaders, elected officials, and grassroots advocates on October 11, 2025, at the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center for its 19th Annual Gala — a powerful demonstration of the community’s unshakable commitment to the Armenian Cause. The event honored lifelong servants of the Armenian community and allies, and saluted the growing Armenian professional network, while raising critical funds for the organization’s grassroots work across 31 Eastern U.S. states.
The gala raised over $300,000 to support the ANCA Eastern Region’s vital civic engagement efforts, youth leadership programs, and efforts to advance Armenian security, justice for Artsakh, and the viability of the Armenian nation.
The evening was made possible in large part through the Legacy Sponsorship — the gala’s highest tier of support — of the Manguikian family. The late Dr. Dertad Manguikian, along with his wife, Seta, and their family — Dr. Alex and Jill Manguikian, Andre and Jessica Manguikian, and Tina Manguikian — have been steadfast supporters of the Armenian community and the ANCA’s mission.”The Manguikians have been role models to me, as humble servants of the community, modest in their approach yet profound in their impact,” stated Dr. Ara Chalian, Chair of the ANCA Eastern Region. “Dr. Dertad, who we recently lost, along with Seta and their family, exemplify the values that sustain our movement: quiet dedication, fierce resolve, generous spirit, and commitment to future generations.”
The gala honored the Congressional Armenian Caucus with the Freedom Award, philanthropist Dean Shahinian with the inaugural Service and Spirit Award, the Lemkin Institute for Genocide Prevention with the inaugural Global Genocide Prevention Award, lifelong advocates Garo Armenian and Paul Jamushian with the Vahan Cardashian Award, and the region’s youth who completed the 2025 ANCA Leo Sarkisian Internship Program and the joint ANCA / Armenian Legal Center Fellowship. Historian and Artsakh war veteran Dr. Robert Krikorian, who recently retired from two decades of public service at the U.S. Department of State, served as Master of Ceremonies.
Emma Soghomonian beautifully performed the national anthems of the United States, Armenia, and Artsakh, after which Dr. Krikorian invited attendees to observe a moment of silence for the victims of the Artsakh Genocide and all those who have given their lives in defense of the homeland.